DWINDLING funds has put a project that gives bikes to young disadvantaged people in Stroud at risk - and now the team are cycling to save it.

Access Bike, founded in 2015 to ensure a lack of cash does not stop anyone from cycling, is facing financial barriers of its own in the form of a £12,000 gap in its annual budget.

But its youth-led team, who refurbish donated bikes and hold drop-in workshops to help 13 to 24 years olds with repairs, are hoping to plug that hole with a sponsored cycle across the UK - though they are making the journey virtually.

As of Tuesday, December 4, the team have been using an exercise bike to cover the 600 miles from Lands' End to John o' Groats from their base in Fromehall Mill.

They have hooked it up to a dynamo generator, donated by the Transition Stroud crew, to use their pedalling to power music, lighting and even a projector showing parts of the route.

"We have such an awesome mix of people of all ages, from all backgrounds joining us daily at the workshop; it has proven to really bring people together," said Alfie Stephens, a workshop leader who recently bagged Young Person of the Year at the Pride of the Cotswolds Awards for his work.

The team hope to raise £9,000 by the time they finish their cycle on Thursday, December 20.

To help ensure Stroud's old bikes get a new home, sponsor the team at bit.ly/2QIhZNX.